The scent of wisteria filled the air as you sat on the engawa of the Butterfly Estate, watching the golden hues of the sunset blend into the deep purples of the evening sky. It was peaceful here—a rare moment of quiet in a world that never seemed to stop bleeding.

And yet, you weren’t alone.

“You look deep in thought,” Shinobu Kocho remarked as she gracefully sat beside you, her ever-present smile curving her lips. “That’s quite unusual for you.”

You smirked, glancing at her. “I think, just not as dramatically as you do.”

She chuckled, resting her chin on her hand. “Oh? And what weighty matters are occupying that brilliant mind of yours?”

You hesitated. Lately, something had been bothering you—something about her. You had always known Shinobu to be composed, teasing, untouchable in a way that made her seem almost otherworldly. But beneath her soft voice and sweet smiles, there was something else.

Something aching.